Educators often face the challenge of imparting values such as persistence and grit to young students. Fortunately, movies can be a fun and engaging tool for this purpose. In this blog post, we’re exploring four incredible films that beautifully illustrate these qualities. These movies, each with their unique storylines, provide strong examples of characters who demonstrate determination and resilience in the face of adversity. So, what are our 4 Great Movies to Teach Young Students about Persistence and Grit? Let’s explore these four cinematic pristine gems!
Rumble (PG – 2021)
Rumble is a captivating animation about a world where monster wrestling is a global sport, and monsters are superstar athletes. The story centers around a teenage girl, Winnie, who seeks to follow in her father’s footsteps by coaching a loveable underdog monster into a wrestling champion. Throughout the journey, Winnie embodies persistence and grit. Despite numerous setbacks, she never gives up on her monster trainee, teaching young viewers the importance of perseverance, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Call of the Wild (PG – 2020)
Call of the Wild chronicles the story of a domestic dog, Buck, who is uprooted from his comfortable home and thrust into the harsh Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. The film beautifully portrays Buck’s transformation from a pampered pet into a fierce and independent sled dog. Throughout his journey, Buck encounters numerous challenges but faces them with unwavering grit and determination. His growth encapsulates the essence of resilience and adaptability, making it a poignant tale of persistence.

Akeelah and the Bee (PG – 2006)
This film presents the inspiring story of Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles, who unexpectedly discovers a talent for spelling. Despite the pressures and insecurities she faces, Akeelah shows immense grit in her journey to the National Spelling Bee. She demonstrates that success isn’t merely about natural talent but also about hard work, determination, and the courage to overcome obstacles. Akeelah’s journey instills in viewers the crucial lesson that persistence can lead to extraordinary achievements.

The Super Mario Bros. (PG – 2023)
In the upcoming film The Super Mario Bros., we anticipate following the beloved characters Mario and Luigi on their quest to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. If the movie stays true to the spirit of the original video game series, we can expect to see the brothers face numerous trials and obstacles. Their journey will undoubtedly be one filled with determination and resilience, embodying the concepts of grit and persistence.

Movies serve as a compelling medium to engage young students in learning important life lessons. These four films not only entertain but also offer meaningful insights into the value of perseverance and resilience. What do you think about our selection 4 Great Movies to Teach Young Students about Persistence and Grit? Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know!
Do you want to search for more movies by their educational key concept?
Check out this blog post to discover 21 educational key concepts and find more movies that align with each one!